Collectors asked to check stock of pulses at godowns

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb illegal hoarding of pulses, Odisha’s Food Supply and Consumer Welfare minister Sanjay Dasburma on Saturday directed district collectors to raid godowns and check the stock if they suspect pulses are stored beyond limits.

“They (godown owners) have a stock limit. If the Collectors, Supply department officials and Enforcement Directorate find any irregularities at the godowns regarding hoarding of pulses, stern action will be taken,” added the minister.

Meanwhile, the department has undertaken searches at pulses mills and godowns at nine places in the State in last three days.

In the country, 3,149 places were raided and 50,600 tonnes of pulses were seized.

Notably, prices of pulses have skyrocketed in the recent past and are varying at different places. In Bhubaneswar, Urad dal is being sold in between Rs 140 and Rs 200 per kg. While Lentil is available at Rs 90 per kg, Gram is being sold at Rs 80, Green Gram at Rs 115 and Black Gram at Rs 145.